Quintiles has officially opened its new £9.5million building and will create 150 jobs in Scotland by 2011.

The pharmaceutical services company has more than doubled the size of its laboratory facilities in Livingston, West Lothian.

It is receiving a Regional Selective Assistance grant from the Scottish Government of £1.25m.

Around 540 people are already based at the building, with capacity to increase that by more than 300.

Dr Dennis Gillings, chairman and CEO of Quintiles, said: "This is another key milestone in our growth. It brings together advanced technology and equipment to enhance our ability to ally with our biopharmaceutical customers.

"Our talented and engaged workforce in Scotland is part of our global network committed to driving productivity and efficiency in drug development."

Jack Perry, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, said: "The growth here of major international companies such as Quintiles demonstrates that, despite global economic difficulties, Scotland remains a highly competitive international location for life sciences."